Assessment of gastric emptying and small-bowel motility: scintigraphy, breath tests, manometry, and SmartPill

Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am. 2009 Jan;19(1):49-55, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.giec.2008.12.003.

Abstract

Gastric and small-bowel dysfunction can include gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and even irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with symptoms suggesting these disorders are commonly encountered by a variety of physicians, especially gastroenterologists. In most patients, the physical examination and upper endoscopy are normal, and thus symptoms are suggested to be from a motility disorder or a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Further evaluation directed at evaluating the stomach and small-bowel motility may help the clinician to arrive at a correct diagnosis enabling proper treatment of the patient. This article covers several tests that are used to evaluate gastric and small-bowel motility in patients, either in clinical evaluation or in clinical research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breath Tests
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Electromyography
  • Esophageal pH Monitoring
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility*
  • Gastroparesis / diagnosis
  • Gastroparesis / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastroparesis / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small / pathology
  • Manometry
  • Radionuclide Imaging